Minister of Science and Technology
(2023).
Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie was born into the family of Chief and Mrs. Obed Nnaji in Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria. As the first of four children, he completed his education in Enugu State, strengthening his deep local ties.
He attended Santa Maria Primary School, Enugu (now Ziks Avenue Primary School) before moving on to St. Patrick’s College, Emene. Later, he studied at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, earning him the reputation of an “unadulterated Enugu Boy.” Chief Uche Nnaji is happily married and blessed with children.
Challenges & Entrepreneurial Beginnings
In 1978, the loss of his father placed his mother in charge of raising the family and managing his late father’s estate. She taught him integrity, resource management, and hard work, shaping his entrepreneurial spirit.
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, he worked at NASCO and Jos International Brewery, gaining business and procurement experience. Near the end of his service, his mother gave him ₦10,000 to encourage him to seek employment. Instead, he chose business.
With part of the money, he bought a ticket to London, where he procured Claforan injection vials and pain relievers. He successfully sold them to Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu. Encouraged by this success, he fully embraced private enterprise.
Business Expansion & Achievements
Chief Uche Nnaji built a thriving business empire in importation and procurement, dealing in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, motor spare parts, and specialized equipment. He expanded his operations across the UK, Germany, Taiwan, India, and Hong Kong. His success led to major contracts, shifting his business from air cargo to full-scale shipping.
One of his milestone projects was the procurement, installation, and commissioning of hospital-grade sanitary wares and plumbing materials for the new University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla. His expertise in hospital procurement earned him recognition as a distinguished entrepreneur. Notably, he became the first African to procure a CT scan from PHILIPS MEDICAL, Hamburg, Germany, in the mid-1980s
Entrepreneurial & Industrial Ventures
Chief Uche Nnaji expanded his influence beyond politics into business and industry. He invested in key sectors, supporting economic development and job creation.
His ventures provided employment to many, particularly in Enugu State. He focused on manufacturing, importation, and trade, using his business acumen to grow successful enterprises.
Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie’s journey from entrepreneurship to politics and public service reflects his resilience and vision. He attributes his success to God’s grace and remains committed to economic growth and lasting development in Enugu State and Nigeria.
Political Journey
Chief Uche Nnaji used his influence to support aspiring politicians, especially those with limited financial resources.
During the UNCP/GDM/DPN political era, he played a crucial role in Chief Jim Nwobodo’s victory over Senator Ken Nnamani in the Enugu East Senatorial election. This defiance of the then Military Administrator led to his first political imprisonment. He spent four months in detention for allegedly “derailing” the Abacha transition program. General Abdulsalami Abubakar later released him along with other political detainees.
At the start of the Fourth Republic in 1998, he helped establish the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State. Initially set to run for the Enugu East Senatorial seat, he was controversially replaced by Senator Ken Nnamani. In response, he switched to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) just 72 hours before the election. Despite this late move, he won 65 out of 66 wards, defeating the PDP candidate.
In 2023, he ran as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State. Though he lost to Peter Mbah of the PDP, his political journey took a new turn. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later appointed him Minister of Science and Technology
Political Accomplishment
- Minister of Science and Technology (2023) – Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- Elected Senator, Enugu East Senatorial Zone (1999) – Unconditionally relinquished the seat to H.E. Chief Jim Nwobodo.
- Foundation Member, PDP (South East Zone) – 1998
- Convener, PDP Enugu State – 1998
- Caucus Member, PDP Enugu State – 1998
- Member, PDP National Finance Committee & Poverty Alleviation – 1998
- Member, PPAC Sub-Committee on Rural Development – 1999
- Caucus Member, UNCP (Enugu State) – 1996-1998
- Financier, UNCP Enugu East Senatorial Zone – 1996-1998
Public Service Positions
- Member, Board of Directors – Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)
- Chairman, Finance and General Purpose Committee – FCDA
- Member, Establishment Committee – FCDA
